Brittany L.

Brittany is a senior English major with a concentration in creative writing at Temple University. After growing up in a very rural part of Pennsylvania, she found her calling in the streets of the big city of Philadelphia. Aside from writing, she enjoys reading, movies, baking, and photography.

Pack for the amount of days you will be gone for. This includes socks and underwear. Next, pack pieces of clothing that are interchangeable. So, instead of packing 7 shirts and 7 pants, only pack 3 pants and 4 shirts.
Be realistic about what you... (more)

Pack for the amount of days you will be gone for. This includes socks and underwear. Next, pack pieces of clothing that are interchangeable. So, instead of packing 7 shirts and 7 pants, only pack 3 pants and 4 shirts.
Be realistic about what you are going to wear. A lot of people will save outfits for when they travel, but never end up wearing them.

Reading! I love to work on my list of books to read because I don't have anything assigned to me and have the time to read what I want. I also love to travel, maybe go to the mountains and do some skiing or just sit in a quiet cottage and watch... (more)

Reading! I love to work on my list of books to read because I don't have anything assigned to me and have the time to read what I want. I also love to travel, maybe go to the mountains and do some skiing or just sit in a quiet cottage and watch the snow fall. I also like to get together with friends from high school who I haven't seen all semester.

Find something that you enjoy doing that doesn't feel like you are "doing nothing." Winter break is a great time to rewire your brain to learn how to relax and enjoy life a little more because you aren't taking classes. Find what makes you happy... (more)

Find something that you enjoy doing that doesn't feel like you are "doing nothing." Winter break is a great time to rewire your brain to learn how to relax and enjoy life a little more because you aren't taking classes. Find what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing and make time in your schedule to do it. If it helps, think of it as productive for your mental health and happiness.

I typically drink two to three cups of coffee a day. One in the morning to get me going, the next during the afternoon when I'm either doing some work at a coffee shop or just need a little pick me up to get me through the rest of the day.

Work your way up! Just like Lorena suggested, start going to the gym at low peak times. I find that early in the morning is best. The more you go and the more you get used to using the machines and your workout routine, the more confident you will... (more)

Work your way up! Just like Lorena suggested, start going to the gym at low peak times. I find that early in the morning is best. The more you go and the more you get used to using the machines and your workout routine, the more confident you will be when you go to the gym when more people are around.
It also helps to go to the gym with a workout routine in mind. Remember, people aren't there to judge others, they are more focused on themselves and their progress than yours!

I love the classic animated Christmas movies like Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and A Year Without Santa Claus. Of course, the newer movies such as Elf and Home Alone are among my favorites as well.

Keep reading! No matter what it is, just make sure to read during your break. This will keep you in the habit of sitting down and taking things in. Try not to fall out of a routine too. Having a routine will help you stay prepared for your upcoming semester.

In my opinion, experiences are more valuable than money. It's something you can look back on and keep memories from it forever. It also helps you grow as a person. If it doesn't put you back too much financially, I would go study abroad where you really want to.

I think it's a great idea to take some time off between graduating and starting a full time job. Once you start your job, you won't be able to travel or take time to recharge. You have your whole life to work, why not enjoy a couple of months to yourself?

Buy a space heater to keep in your bedroom if you like it extra toasty. You can also buy thermal curtains to hang over the windows to keep the chill out. If there is a gap between the floor and your door, stuff some fabric or cushion between it too.

I write out a to-do list for myself. Get up early one day and try to clear your schedule so you can study and work all day long. First thing in the morning, make your to-do list, then prioritize what needs to be done first. Find a quiet place where you can concentrate, then get to work!

My favorite is an Americano, iced or hot. It's just espresso with hot water, but I think it's much richer than a regular cup of coffee for about the same price. Not to mention the caffeine kick it'll give you!

If you currently have a job, ask for a recommendation from your boss, manager, or supervisor. Ask a professor that you really connect with and do well in their class. You can also ask leaders of student organizations to write you letters as well.

Create a schedule for yourself! Divide the books pages by the number of days you would like to finish it, then plan to read those pages or chapters each day.
Once you finish a book, reward yourself. Maybe the reward is watching the movie that is... (more)

Create a schedule for yourself! Divide the books pages by the number of days you would like to finish it, then plan to read those pages or chapters each day.
Once you finish a book, reward yourself. Maybe the reward is watching the movie that is based on the book or something else that you enjoy. If you stick to your plan, you will be sure to stay on track!

Things I would compromise on when looking for an apartment are living area sizes, kitchen appliances, and utilities included. I typically wouldn't compromise on the location of the apartment or the bedroom size.

If you lived farther from campus, how do you plan on getting to campus? If the cost of commuting back and forth to campus is about the same as how much more you would be paying, it may be worth it to live closer. It all depends on your class... (more)

If you lived farther from campus, how do you plan on getting to campus? If the cost of commuting back and forth to campus is about the same as how much more you would be paying, it may be worth it to live closer. It all depends on your class schedule and lifestyle too. If you like to go home between classes, living closer may be better for you.

Typically, I add anything that is extremely relevant to the position I'm applying for. So, for example if I had relevant experience from high school that matched this position, I would add it to my resume. Always put your current position though.

I'm just getting into fitness and I signed up for a Zumba class and a beginner's Yoga class at my school. They are super fun and easy for beginners. I've also tried a cycling class, which really makes you work if that is what you're looking for.